Pharmacology: Mechanisms, Uses, and Side Effects of Common Medications

Alprazolam (Xanax) - How it works

This medication works by enhancing

the "calming" chemical in

the brain

Alprazolam (Xanax) - Used for

It is used in the treatment of anxiety and panic disorder.

Alprazolam (Xanax) - How to take

It is taken by mouth exactly as directed. Do not take more than prescribed and do not stop suddenly. If extended-release, swallow whole.

Alprazolam (Xanax) - Common side effects

Common side effects include constipation and nausea. Take with food. Drink water and increase fiber to mitigate this

Alprazolam (Xanax) - Serious side effects

Serious side effects include seizures and tremors which requires calling 911.

Amlodipine (Norvasc) - How it works

This medication works by relaxing and widening your blood vessels so blood can flow more easily.

Amlodipine (Norvasc) - Used for

It is used in the treatment of high blood pressure and chest pain.

Amlodipine (Norvasc) - How to take

It is taken by mouth once daily at the same time each day. Do not stop without asking your doctor.

Amlodipine (Norvasc) - Common side effects

Common side effects include dizziness and lightheadedness.

Amlodipine (Norvasc) - Serious side effects

Serious side effects include liver injuries which could manifest with yellow skin and yellow eyes. If you have this call your doctor and make sure you're staying hydrated

Amoxicillin (Amoxil) - How it works

This medication works by killing bacteria and stopping them from growing

Amoxicillin (Amoxil) - Used for

It is used in the treatment of infections or stomach ulcers.

Amoxicillin (Amoxil) - How to take

It is taken by mouth as directed and it is very important to finish the entire course of therapy.

Amoxicillin (Amoxil) - Common side effects

Common side effects include nausea and vomiting . in. order to mitigate this you may want to take this medication with food.

Amoxicillin (Amoxil) - Serious side effects

Bloody or diarrhea is a a serous side effect that requires you to call your doctor

Apixaban (Eliquis) - How it works

This medication works by blocking a clotting protein which helps prevent harmful blood clots from forming.

Apixaban (Eliquis) - Used for

It is used to treat and prevent blood clots and reduce the risk of stroke.

Apixaban (Eliquis) - How to take

It is taken by mouth as prescribed and should not be stopped without speaking to your doctor.

Apixaban (Eliquis) - Common side effects

Common side effects include minor bleeding and easy bruising. stay away from situations where you can be injured.

Apixaban (Eliquis) - Serious side effects

Serious side effects include major uncontrolled bleeding which requires calling 911.

Atorvastatin (Lipitor) - How it works

This medication works by blocking an enzyme in your liver that helps make cholesterol which lowers your bad cholesterol levels.

Atorvastatin (Lipitor) - Used for

It is used in the treatment of high cholesterol and to reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke.

Atorvastatin (Lipitor) - How to take

It is taken by mouth once daily. Avoid grapefruit juice while taking this medication.

Atorvastatin (Lipitor) - Common side effects

Common side effects include muscle pain and tenderness. To mitigate this Moderate exercise and lifestyle changes

Atorvastatin (Lipitor) - Serious side effects

Serious side effects include yellowing of the skin or eyes which requires immediate medical attention.

Ciprofloxacin (Cipro) - How it works

This medication Kills bacteria and stops them from

growing

Ciprofloxacin (Cipro) - Used for

It is used in the treatment of bacterial infections.

Ciprofloxacin (Cipro) - How to take

It is taken by mouth as directed and it is very important to finish the entire course.

Ciprofloxacin (Cipro) - Common side effects

Common side effects include nausea and vomiting. Mitigate this by taking with food.

Ciprofloxacin (Cipro) - Serious side effects

Serious side effects include severe or bloody diarrhea. Talk to your doctor if this occurs

Clopidogrel (Plavix) - How it works

This medication works by making your body form fewer blood clots

Clopidogrel (Plavix) - Used for

It is used to prevent heart attack and stroke.

Clopidogrel (Plavix) - How to take

It is taken by mouth once daily exactly as directed and should not be stopped without speaking to your doctor.

Clopidogrel (Plavix) - Common side effects

Common side effects include easy bruising and minor bleeding. in ordeer to mitigate this, stay away from situations where you can injure yourself.

Clopidogrel (Plavix) - Serious side effects

Serious side effects include severe bleeding that will not stop which requires calling 911.

Cyclobenzaprine (Flexeril) - How it works

This medication works by blocking the nerve signals causing muscle spasms

Cyclobenzaprine (Flexeril) - Used for

It is used to treat muscle pain and stiffness caused by muscle spasms.

Cyclobenzaprine (Flexeril) - How to take

It is taken by mouth as prescribed and is typically used short term. If extended-release, swallow whole and do not crush or chew.

Cyclobenzaprine (Flexeril) - Common side effects

Common side effects include drowsiness and dizziness. take before bedtime and do not drive until you know how it affects you)

Cyclobenzaprine (Flexeril) - Serious side effects

Serious side effects include fever, sweating, uneven heartbeat with restlessness and anxiety which require calling 911.

Dapagliflozin (Farxiga) - How it works

This medication works by helping your kidneys remove excess sugar from your body through your urine.

Dapagliflozin (Farxiga) - Used for

It is used to treat type 2 diabetes and may help reduce the risk of heart failure and slow kidney damage in certain patients.

Dapagliflozin (Farxiga) - How to take

It is taken by mouth once daily usually in the morning exactly as directed.

Dapagliflozin (Farxiga) - Common side effects

Common side effects is a UTI so make sure to stay hydrated and practice good hygiene

Dapagliflozin (Farxiga) - Serious side effects

Serious side effects include severe nausea or vomiting with trouble breathing which could be a sign of ketoacidosis and requires immediate medical attention.

Furosemide (Lasix) - How it works

This medication works by helping your kidneys remove excess salt and water from your body through urine.

Furosemide (Lasix) - Used for

It is used to treat fluid retention and high blood pressure.

Furosemide (Lasix) - How to take

It is taken by mouth as directed and is best taken earlier in the day to avoid waking up at night to urinate.

Furosemide (Lasix) - Common side effects

Common side effects include dizziness and lightheadedness.

Furosemide (Lasix) - Serious side effects

increased thirst with weakness and muscle cramps. If this becomes severe call 911. Also, tinnitus if you expereince a ringing in the ears talk to your doctor.

Hydrochlorothiazide (Microzide) - How it works

This medication works by helping your kidneys remove extra salt and water from your body by making you urinate more frequently

Hydrochlorothiazide (Microzide) - Used for

It is used to treat high blood pressure and fluid retention.

Hydrochlorothiazide (Microzide) - How to take

It is taken by mouth once daily and is best taken earlier in the day since it may increase urination.

Hydrochlorothiazide (Microzide) - Common side effects

Common side effects include dizziness and lightheadedness

Hydrochlorothiazide (Microzide) - Serious side effects

increased thirst with weakness and muscle cramps. If this becomes severe call 911.

Lisinopril (Prinivil/Zestril) - How it works

This medication works by relaxing your blood vessels which helps lower blood pressure and makes it easier for your heart to pump blood.

Lisinopril (Prinivil/Zestril) - Used for

It is used to treat high blood pressure and heart failure and may also be used after a heart attack.

Lisinopril (Prinivil/Zestril) - How to take

It is taken by mouth once daily exactly as directed and should not be stopped without speaking to your doctor.

Lisinopril (Prinivil/Zestril) - Common side effects

Common side effects include lightheadedness and dizziness.

Lisinopril (Prinivil/Zestril) - Serious side effects

swelling of the face and tongue requires calling 911. liver injury can occur which would show up as yellowing of the skin and eyes, call 911 if this occurs

Meloxicam (Mobic) - How it works

This medication works by reducing substances in your body that cause pain and inflammation.

Meloxicam (Mobic) - Used for

It is used to treat osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.

Meloxicam (Mobic) - How to take

It is taken by mouth once daily exactly as directed and is best taken with food or milk to reduce stomach upset.

Meloxicam (Mobic) - Common side effects

Common side effects include nausea and diarrhea and heartburn. Take with food to mitage this

Meloxicam (Mobic) - Serious side effects

Serious side effects include chest pain or trouble breathing which require calling 911. Yellowing of the skin or eyes would also require you to call 911.

Metformin (Glucophage) - How it works

This medication works by decreasing the amount of sugar your liver makes and helping your body use insulin more effectively.

Metformin (Glucophage) - Used for

It is used to treat type 2 diabetes.

Metformin (Glucophage) - How to take

It is taken by mouth as directed and is best taken with food or milk to reduce stomach upset. If extended-release, swallow whole and do not crush or chew.

Metformin (Glucophage) - Common side effects

Common side effects include nausea and diarrhea.

Metformin (Glucophage) - Serious side effects

Serious side effects include trouble breathing with fever and muscle pain which could be a sign of lactic acidosis. Make sure to stay hydrateed and avoid alcohol use

Metoprolol Succinate (Toprol-XL) - How it works

This medication is a beta blocker that works by slowing down your heart rate and reducing how hard your heart has to work.

Metoprolol Succinate (Toprol-XL) - Used for

It is used to treat high blood pressure, chest pain, and heart failure and may reduce the risk of death after a heart attack.

Metoprolol Succinate (Toprol-XL) - How to take

It is taken by mouth once daily with or right after a meal and should not be crushed or chewed.

Metoprolol Succinate (Toprol-XL) - Common side effects

Common side effects include dizziness and lightheadedness

Metoprolol Succinate (Toprol-XL) - Serious side effects

Serious side effects include chest pain with radiation or an uneven heartbeat which require calling 911.

Omeprazole (Prilosec) - How it works

This medication works by reducing the amount of acid your stomach produces.

Omeprazole (Prilosec) - Used for

It is used to treat GERD, heartburn, stomach ulcers, and conditions caused by excess stomach acid.

Omeprazole (Prilosec) - How to take

It is taken by mouth once daily 30 to 60 minutes before a meal preferably before breakfast.

Omeprazole (Prilosec) - Common side effects

Common side effects upset stomach and diarrhea. In order to mitigate this remember to take on an empty stomach 30-60 minutes before eating.

Omeprazole (Prilosec) - Serious side effects

Serious side effects include severe or bloody diarrhea that does not go away. Go to the ER if this occurs

Prednisone (Deltasone) - How it works

This medication works by reducing inflammation and suppressing your immune system.

Prednisone (Deltasone) - Used for

It is used to treat various inflammatory conditions

Prednisone (Deltasone) - How to take

It is taken by mouth as prescribed and is best taken with food or milk to reduce stomach upset. Do not stop suddenly unless directed by your doctor.

Prednisone (Deltasone) - Common side effects

Common side effects include nausea and diarrhea. Take this medication with food or milk

Prednisone (Deltasone) - Serious side effects

Serious side effects include severe stomach pain with red stools. Go to the ER

Pregabalin (Lyrica) - How it works

This medication works by calming overactive nerves in your brain and spinal cord.

Pregabalin (Lyrica) - Used for

It is used to treat nerve pain, fibromyalgia, and certain types of seizures.

Pregabalin (Lyrica) - How to take

It is taken by mouth as prescribed and should not be stopped suddenly without speaking to your doctor.

Pregabalin (Lyrica) - Common side effects

Common side effects include drowsiness. Take before bedtime if this occurs

Pregabalin (Lyrica) - Serious side effects

Serious side effects include swelling of the face or tongue which requires calling 911.

Sertraline (Zoloft) - How it works

This medication works by increasing the amount of serotonin in your brain which helps improve mood.

Sertraline (Zoloft) - Used for

It is used to treat depression, anxiety, PTSD, OCD, and panic disorder.

Sertraline (Zoloft) - How to take

It is taken by mouth once daily at the same time each day and may be taken with or without food.

Sertraline (Zoloft) - Common side effects

Common side effects include dizziness or drowsiness. Make sure to stay hydrated and do not drive until you know how this medication affects you. Nausea and vomiting - take with food

Sertraline (Zoloft) - Serious side effects

Serious side effects include fever, sweating, uneven heartbeat with restlessness and anxiety which require calling 911.

Sacubitril/Valsartan (Entresto) - How it works

This medication works in two ways. Sacubitril helps relax blood vessels and remove excess fluid, and valsartan relaxes blood vessels by blocking a hormone that raises blood pressure. (works by relaxing blood vessels which helps to lower blood pressure..)

Sacubitril/Valsartan (Entresto) - Used for

It is used to treat heart failure and improve heart function.

Sacubitril/Valsartan (Entresto) - How to take

It is taken by mouth twice daily exactly as directed.

Sacubitril/Valsartan (Entresto) - Common side effects

Common side effects include dizziness and lightheadedness.

Sacubitril/Valsartan (Entresto) - Serious side effects

Serious side effects include rapid heartbeat and trouble breathing which require calling 911.